The Great Lakes Of Kashmir Group - 30 Jul 2022

(9 Days 8 Nights)

INR 35000 INR 40000

  • Sonmarg(1N)
  • Nichnai(1N)
  • Vishansar(2N)
  • Gadsar(1N)
  • Satsar(1N)
  • Gangabal Twin Lakes(1N)
  • Srinagar(1N)

The Great Lakes Of Kashmir Group - 30 Jul 2022

(8 Nights 9 Days)
  • Sonmarg(1N)
  • Nichnai(1N)
  • Vishansar(2N)
  • Gadsar(1N)
  • Satsar(1N)
  • Gangabal Twin Lakes(1N)
  • Srinagar(1N)

INR 35000 INR 40000

Highlights

- Explore Kashmir Valley.
- Silver Birch Trees of Nichnai.
- Numerous Lake views from the passes of Nichnai to Gadsar.
- Zig-zag trail from Gadsar to Satsar.
- Spot the Seven Lakes of Satsar.
- Stunning views of Nandkul and Gangbal Lakes from Jiz Pass. .... Read More

INR 35000 INR 40000

Overview

A land of untouched beauty, Kashmir is definitely a paradise on earth with its snow-capped mountains and scenic landscape. Kashmir is beautiful gardens, lakes, valleys, and much more. Kashmir remains one of the most celebrated holiday destinations in the world. The lush green views of Aru Valley, the colourful series of houseboats & shikaras and the holy shrines of Jammu City. Jammu and Kashmir is all about never-fading beauty and allure.
MORE
Tour Itinerary
(8 Nights 9 Days)

Day 1

Transfers to Sonmarg

Upon arrival to Srinagar Airport, you shall be picked up in your exclusive vehicle and transferred to Sonmarg. The meandering road, up in the high Himalayas from Srinagar to Sonmarg seem endless, as your eyes remain transfixed on the beauty all around you. Sonmarg is known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’ and it is rightly called so with the enchanting beauty of Flowery Meadows, Snow-clad Peaks, Glaciers and Pristine Lakes. You could opt for horse ride (own cost) in the beautiful environs of Sonmarg.

Day 2

Sonmarg (7,800ft) to Nichnai (11,500ft) via Shekdur

After breakfast, your trek starts 3 kms out of Sonmarg. Exactly at the 3km mark, you can spot a Dhabha where you could pick up short eats & packaged water if required. The next trace of dwelling civilization is only at Naranag at the end of the trek. The trek starts along the Sindh River and quickly diverts higher up entering a green meadow. The meadows directly overlook the Sonmarg town. What follows at the top is a lovely dense Forest of Maple Trees. Walking on the green bed of grass amidst the Maples is an experience unique to Kashmir in India. The Maple Forest ends at the top of the ridge and the other side a meadow gently slopes down. Spend a few moments at the ridge taking in the views of Sonmarg and its neighboring valley. The streams, the meadows, the pines and the town nestled make a wonderful picture. Further ahead the meadows are dotted with Silver Birch Trees and a few Shepherd Huts. You would soon reach Shekdur; a beautiful campsite surrounded by Bhoj Trees. We can have lunch here and move ahead towards Nichnai. In an hour you reach the end of the Birch trees and the trail goes down and climbs back into a river valley. The River valley is the beginning of Nichanai. Look behind to see snow clad peaks from Sonmarg valley. You are now in wide valley but enclosed by mountains on either side. A River Valley with green patches devoid of rocks open up and you can see the green meadow widening in between the two mountain ranges. This is where we could pitch our camps for the night.

Day 3

Nichnai (11,500ft) to Vishansar Lake via Nachnai Pass (12,000ft)

After breakfast, trek along the meadows with the scenery changing for the better all along. Your first destination for the day is to cross the Nichnai Pass or Vishansar Berry. The pass is visible at a distance from your campsite. As you climb, you shall notice a small Lake at the foot of the Mountains. The Lake is deep blue in colour and you can sense your expectations rising of the main Lakes to come on this trek. BSNL phone network tends to work here most times. This is the last point on the trek where you get phone network. Nichnai Pass is at an altitude of 13,500 ft. You are just into your second day of the trek and this by any standard is a very fast ascent. It is not uncommon for people to feel the altitude effects on the climb to Nichnai Pass. The good news is that the trail descends from here on and the rocky trail descends rapidly. It is her that you shall notice Red Flowers spring out next to your feet, take in the view of the peaks, the River below, the Flowery meadow and big waterfall splashing down the mountain cliff and joining the River. Further ahead are the classic snow clad Himalayan Mountains; grey and barren, resembling the Ladakh Ranges. Brace yourself for a stream crossing with the water, icy cold. Further ahead lies the Vishansar Lake. It lies nestled below 4 Mountains. The Kishansar Peak though 0.5 km away, reflects in the Lake. The reflections are wonderful when the Lake is still. The colour of the Lake depends on the time of the day and the clouds in the sky. Early in the morning, before the Sun really shines, expect clear colourless water. The Lake starts getting its colours when the Sun shines. On a clear sunny morning, the water is absolutely blue. Clouds and the evening Sun make it look greenish blue in the later half of the day. Whatever be the colour, the Lake looks wonderful and it is worth catching a glimpse of the Lake in all its hues.

Day 4

Rest Day at Vishansar

Today, you may visit Kishansar Lake, which is at approx. 1.5 kms from your Campsite. If the weather is not good enough then we use this day to acclimatize, or we move ahead to our next Campsite and use this extra day at the end in Gangbal.

Day 5

Vishansar Lake (12,000ft) to Gadsar (12,000ft) via Gadsar Pass

Steep 2 hours ascent followed by a steep descent followed by a gentle walk in the Meadows. (5hrs/10 kms) After breakfast, you can get a second look (if you visited the previous day) of the Kishansar Lake. Kishansar is 500ft higher than Vishansar. It is big and blue. Spend time at the Kishansar Meadows photographing the Lake from various angles. The next part of the trek is from Kishansar Lake side to the top of the ridge. 45 minutes into the climb, you will be treated to one of the loveliest views you can ever imagine. Both the Kishansar and Vishansar Lakes are in full view together. The view of the twin lakes lasts till you reach the ridge top or the Pass. This is called as the Gadsar Pass; altitude 13,800ft; the highest point on this trek. It is not uncommon to find snow at the Gadsar Pass. Notice the multicolored Flowers growing up out of the green grass. It starts with Red and moves on to Blue and Purple Iris Flowers. Gadsar is at the base of snow clad cliffs. Blue Flowers spring up on one side and snow slabs fall into the Lake from the Mountain on the other side. Look ahead to see the green-blue valley gently slope down. The Yamsir, the nameless Lake and Gadsar are all connected by a stream as water flows from the higher Lake to the lower.

Day 6

Gadsar (12,000ft) to Satsar (12,000ft)

Gentle descent for 1 hour followed by a steep ascent for 3 hours along with a flat Meadow walk (6hrs/12 kms). After breakfast, move towards the stream. The trail crosses the stream and heads up the Mountain. Crossing the stream is the easiest way to trek; but if one really wants to avoid getting their feet wet in the icy cold water; head to the bridge which is a kilometer away and cross the stream. The climb up is steeper if one goes to the bridge. The trail now looks like a typical Western Ghats trail. The terrain feels very similar. You are just above the tree line. Once beyond the 11,500ft altitude, the climb graduates to a traverse surrounded by Mountains on a Meadow. This place is called as Maengandob. The landscape ahead is captivating as isolated Mountains stand in front. Further, move ahead to camp near the first of the Satsar Lakes. Satsar is actually a collection of 7 Lakes. The Lake is pretty big and looks picturesque in its green setting with Mountains in front.

Day 7

Satsar (12,000ft) to Gangabal Twin Lakes (11,500ft) via Zaj Pass

Mild ascent followed by gradual descent, followed by long steep ascent and long steep descent, followed by gradual up and down walk. (6hrs/9 kms). After breakfast, you shall trek up and down to reach the biggest Satsar Lake. The terrain is bouldery and it is more of a boulder hopping exercise than anything else. The biggest of the Satsar Lakes is also the last in the sequence. After the last Lake the trail starts to descend. Further ahead from top of the ridges you can spot the Gujjar Huts amidst the tall pines. The best part however is the surprise view you get further ahead with where two lakes lie next to one another. Take pictures and brace yourself for a steep stony descent. A further hour and a half bring you to green Meadows again. Soon you will be at the shores of Nundkol Lake. Notice that this lake is not as pristine as the other lakes you saw on the trek. Remnants of camping are there all around. Lot of people trek up from Naranag to Gangabal and go back as a weekend outing. You will wish they spared time and thought to clean up the mess they created by these beautiful Lakes (Human Atrocities towards Nature). The Nundkhol Lake lies at the base of the Harmukh Peak. The Harmukh Glacier hangs on the sides of the rocky edges of the Mountain. The Gangabal Lake is about 20 minutes away from Nundkhol. Gangabal is our last camping site on the trek.

Day 8

Gangabal (11,500ft) to Naranag (7,450ft). Transfers to Srinagar

Gradual descent followed by steep descent. (6hrs/11kms). After breakfast, you start the last day of the trek which is a killer to your toes and knees. 30 minutes into the trail you could get glimpses of network just enough to tell home that you are alive. The ridge ends and you descend to a green flat meadow on the right. The Harmukh Peak looks impressive when you look back. The green meadow has little Yellow Flowers growing all over and you start walking gingerly to avoid stepping over them. Further ahead you hit the fringes of the tree line. Pine Trees line the meadows and you also see traces of civilization with the presence of a Log Hut. You dont lose altitude now but start to climb up a bit. You drop to 10,800ft at the tree line but climb again to 11,000ft. For about 6 kms you never really lose altitude and you are forever around the 10,800ft mark making your way in and out of the Pine Forest and finally entering it fully. Only after walking for 2/3rd of the distance does the true descent begin. The descent is now really steep. The trail is a well-trodden muddy one through the thick of the Pines. The last 4 kms sees you dropping more than 3000ft. It is not rare to spot lot of people trekking up here from Naranag headed only to Gangabal. Naranag slowly comes in sight at around 8500ft but there is quite a bit more to go. The last stretch of the last day does become an endurance test but soon the stone paved village track comes up and in no time you enter the main road of Naranag. From here, you are transferred to your Houseboat in Srinagar for overnight stay

Day 9

Onward Home

Today, after a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to ‘Srinagar Airport’ for your Onward Journey Home with great memories of ‘ALifetimeTrip’.

Hotel

Inclusions

  • Accommodation at hotels/resorts/camps on double/triple Occupancy as per requirement.
  • All Applicable Taxes
  • Complimentary Shikara ride if you are staying at houseboat.

Exclusions

  • Any entry fees
  • Any Air/Train/ Bus Fares- Best fares, Available On Request.
  • Items of personal nature like porterage, tips, laundry
  • Any expenses for entrance fees or optional activities or tickets, unless quoted in Inclusions.
  • Any optional activities
  • Pony Ride
Important Information

Inclusions: -

  • Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis (Day 1) in a Deluxe Hotel in Sonmarg.
  • -Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis (Day 8) in a Deluxe Houseboat on Dal Lake in Srinagar.
  • Pitched Camps (Days 2 to 7) on Twin Sharing Basis.
  • Toilet Tents.
  • All Meals (Veg & Non-Veg): Starting with Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 9.
  • Vehicle: Chauffer driven Mahindra Scorpio / Innova / Tempo Traveler (depending upon group size) from & to Srinagar Airport.
  • One Cook.
  • Two Helpers.
  • Mules / Ponies for carrying luggage (1 bag per person).
  • Services of a Tour Manager.
  • Tents, Sleeping Bags, Utensils & all Groceries required for the duration of the Tour.
  • Complimentary Shikara Ride on Dal Lake.
  • Driver Allowances, Parking, Toll & Taxes.
  • All Trekking Permits & Forest Camping Charges.
  • All Taxes & GST.

Exclusions: -

  • Return Airfare.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Any Meals other than specified above.
  • Any sightseeing, tours, transfers, event tickets not mentioned in itinerary.
  • Any item of personal nature like mini-bar, portage, tips, etc.
  • All entrance fees and excursions not mentioned in inclusions.
  • Any other item or service not mentioned in the inclusions

Important Information

Note: Final Covid Vaccination Certificate Mandatory

  • Who can go on this tour?
    • This tour is for everyone who loves to explore the exotic and beautiful landscapes deep in the Himalayas. We will be trekking to places that are less visited by tourists.
  • Is there a lot of walking/trekking involved?
    • Yes, this is primarily a Trekking Expedition. Day 2 to Day 8 will be entirely Trekking. But anyone can join this Trek; who are basically fit with no Pre-Medical Conditions. Walk, Jog & Exercise few days before the start date.

  • What to Carry?
    • Most definitely, WARM CLOTHES like Thermals, Down Jackets, Wind Proof Trousers, Woolen Socks, Woolen Gloves & Water Proof Gloves, and anything that will keep you warm. A small day pack (very light weight), Energy Bars, Dry Fruits & Chocolates, Trekking Shoes, Floaters, Rain Cover & Poncho, Walking Stick, Head Torch, Thermos Water Bottle, Sunglasses, Toilet Paper, Tissues & Wet Wipes, your Camera & of course Power Banks & multiple Batteries.
  • What to Carry Back?

Memories of a Lifetime

cancellation policy

25% Charges of lump sum amount, anytime prior to 30 days of Tour Start.

  • 50% Charges of lump sum amount, anytime within 30-15 days prior to Tour Start.
  • 75% Charges of lump sum amount, anytime within 15-10 days of Tour Start. 
  • 100% Retention Charges thereafter.

BALI

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,

View all